Special Exhibition at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace: The Venue of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics (History and Photography Exhibition) - Until Tuesday, March 10, 2020
From January 16 to March 10, 2020, the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace will host a special exhibition titled "The State Guest House, Akasaka Palace: The Venue of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics (History and Photography Exhibition)" to commemorate the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
This special exhibition offers a glimpse into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the history of the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, which has served various roles, including as the temporary Imperial Prince's residence, the National Diet Library, and the Constitution Investigation Council.
■ The History of the Tokyo Olympics and the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace
During the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace was the site of the organizing committee responsible for the Games' operations and the creation of various product designs, making it an architectural landmark deeply connected to the Tokyo Olympics. A vast array of designs, including the Tokyo Olympics emblem, pictograms, posters, medals, and uniforms, were produced.
This special exhibition showcases precious photographs and product designs from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, many of which are not publicly displayed, alongside depictions of the era.
Attention is also drawn to the display of pictograms from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where they were first fully implemented, and those to be used in the 2020 Olympics, highlighting the evolution of this globally recognized visual language.
Highlights of the Exhibition
• A photographic exhibition tracing the history of the State Guest House
On the second floor of the Main Building, a photographic exhibition chronicles the history of the State Guest House, presented chronologically.
Lesser-known episodes, from Emperor Showa's wedding to the opening of the State Guest House, are displayed with photographs from the time, allowing visitors to feel the history and passage of time that the National Treasure, the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, has experienced.
• Unveiling of precious product designs born from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
During the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the organizing committee was established at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, giving rise to various designs. The exhibition presents this period alongside historical context. It also features the pictograms from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which were fully adopted for the first time, and those for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Additionally, films are screened to convey the excitement of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere of that time.
• A photo spot to take pictures with the Tokyo Olympics emblem, exclusive to this exhibition
In the front garden of the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, a special board featuring the emblems of the 1964 and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games has been installed. This serves as a photo spot for commemorative pictures with the State Guest House as a backdrop.
■ Overview of the "Special Exhibition at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace: The Venue of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics (History and Photography Exhibition)"
• Exhibition Period
January 16 (Thu), 2020 – March 10 (Tue), 2020 (scheduled) *Period may be shortened.
• Opening Hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission: Main Building: 4:00 PM, Gardens: 4:30 PM)
• Regular Closures/Holidays
Generally Wednesdays *Please refer to the State Guest House website for details.
• Admission Fees
Main Building & Gardens: General ¥2,000, University Students ¥1,500, Junior High/High School Students ¥500, Elementary School Students and younger: Free
Japanese Annex, Main Building & Gardens: General ¥2,500, University Students ¥2,000, Junior High/High School Students ¥700
Japanese Annex & Gardens: General ¥2,000, University Students ¥1,500, Junior High/High School Students ¥500
*Children elementary school age and younger are not permitted in the Japanese Annex.
*The option to visit the Main Building can be selected at the time of payment on the day of your visit.
Gardens Only: General ¥300, University Students and younger: Free
*Admission fees differ outside of the exhibition period. Please refer to the State Guest House website for details.
• How to Visit
• Main Building & Gardens (No reservation required)
On-site reception: State Guest House West Gate
Reception hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last reception: 4:00 PM)
• Japanese Annex, Main Building & Gardens (Advance reservation required: for 1-4 people)
Application: Reserve via the State Guest House website
Reception hours: Every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM (The 3:00 PM slot is a guided tour in English)
*Capacity is 20 people per time slot.
■ Overview of Visits with Erard Piano Concert
A concert featuring the Erard piano, purchased in 1909 for the "Hagoromo Room" when the Imperial Prince's residence (now the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace) was built, and used by Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun during their residence at Akasaka Palace, will be held.
• Concert Dates
January 17 (Fri), 23 (Thu), 30 (Thu), 2020
February 6 (Thu), 13 (Thu), 20 (Thu), 27 (Thu)
Scheduled for March as well (dates to be announced on the State Guest House website)
Starting at 5:00 PM each day after regular visiting hours; the concert will last approximately 30 minutes.
• Admission Fees
General ¥3,000, University Students ¥2,500, Junior High/High School Students ¥1,500,
Elementary School Students and younger: Free
Reservations can be made via the State Guest House website.
https://www.geihinkan.go.jp/akasaka/akasaka_news/piano0117-0227/
*Up to 4 people can apply (first 85 people per day).
Tel. 03-6821-6212
https://www.geihinkan.go.jp/akasaka/akasaka_news/oripara0116-0310/